262 report— 1865. 



and the latter predominated in the neighbouring cave, with this exception, that 

 in no instance were the remains of the rodent found in connexion with the 

 Hippopotamus, whereas they were always intimately associated with bones 

 and teeth of the Proboscidian, and not only in this cave, but in several other 

 localities in the island. 



11. Of tbe teeth of the Pigmy Elephant, either entire or in fragments, and 

 guessing what were destroyed by the workmen to be equal to one half, I 

 surmise that the remains of upwards of fifty old and young Elephants were 

 brought to light during the late excavations in Mnaidra Cave. They include 

 individuals of all ages, from the calf to the adult. Many teeth were in 

 good states of preservation, others were much decayed and broken, especially 

 the " true molars." The large bones were nearly all reduced to fragments 

 but vertebra? and feet bones were usually entire. Many articulating sur- 

 faces of bones had their outer tables removed, and were firmly encrusted 

 with stalactite, especially the specimens lying on a black seam and among 

 the rounded freestones. It was clear, however, that they could not have 

 been conveyed for any very long distance, as will appear from the specimens 

 I have forwarded for the inspection of the members of the Association. 

 Among the remains were found certain foot bones not referable, apparently, 

 to this species, and at present undetermined ; these I forwarded in another 

 collection, now, I believe, in Mr. Busk's charge*. 



12. The remains next in the order of frequency, and even, perhaps, more 

 abundant than the last, were those of the Gigantic Dormouse (Myoxus Meli- 

 tensis). The number of bones of this rodent brought to light during our ex- 

 cavations was almost beyond conception. They embraced all ages, and were 

 strewn about in great disorder, but were far more entire than any of the others, 

 or than those I have referred to in connexion with the Malak Cave ; so much 

 was this the case that I had seldom much difficulty in removing the greater 

 part of skeletons, which enabled me to determine the relative dimensions of 

 the animal with accuracy. Eor example, the total length of the skull, taken 

 from many specimens, averaged in the adult from 2 - 3 to 2-5 inches ; length 

 of the humerus 1-6 inches; length of femur 2-2. The hind foot from the 

 extremity of the calcaneum to the tip of the last phalanx of the middle toe 

 measured 0-7 inch. 



13. The avifauna of this cave embraced numerous remains of birds of 

 various species, differing considerably in dimensions. Some of very large size 

 were evidently water-birds. The collection I have forwarded for studyf. 



14. The Mollusca include the majority of the land-shells at present met 

 with in the islands. The following have been identified by the late lamented 

 Mr. S. P. Woodward :— 



Helix aspersa. Helix striata. 



„ vermiculata. Pmlimus acutus. 



,, candidissima. Cyclostoma ? 



„ aperta. Clausilia syracusana. 



The shells were found in such excellent states of preservation in the " Mid- 

 dle Cave," and with the rodent's remains in the " Malak," also with the jaw 



* [So far as I have been able to determine these bones, they all appear to belong to one 

 or other of the small Elephants. — Gr. B.] 



f [These bones have been subjected to the inspection of Mr. W. E. Parker, who has 

 detected among them many remains of the Gigantic Swan, which he had already observed 

 in the collection of Fossils from Zebbug brought by Captain Spratt. — Gr. B.] 



